More than 14% of Valley children younger than age 11 have never been treated by a dentist, despite the fact that tooth decay is the single most common childhood health problem – five times more frequent than asthma. Untreated childhood dental problems can lead to difficulty chewing, swallowing and speaking, needless pain and lost school days.

Patients at one of California’s busiest emergency departments now have an alternative for non-life-threatening health conditions. Community Regional Medical Center has opened a Prompt Care Clinic on its campus with extended hours to treat walk-in patients for health issues such as like flu symptoms lacerations, minor broken bones and the need for X-rays or medication refills.

Homeless patients who are hospitalized, treated and then discharged back to the streets have higher rates of readmission to hospitals compared with those who have established residences. To help better manage their recovery, Community Medical Centers and others created the Fresno Medical Respite Center, a nearly four-year-old “bridge” residence at the Fresno Rescue Mission that so far has assisted nearly 150 men and women.